"If you buy only one Pirate rpg this year!". But seriously, I'm very pleased with Pirates & Privateers. Its the first Pirate rpg I've looked at that I thought "I'd could run this straightaway without modifying anything". The mechanics are neat & quick, the background information is excellent and pertinent to actually playing games. Yes, it tends towards a 'grittier" style of play, but has the provision for Drama Points, which could easily be used to make a more cinematic game. Highly recommended.